Looking for the latest Post Office interest rates for 2026? The government announces these rates quarterly. For the period January to March 2026 (Q4 FY 2025-26), most rates remain unchanged from the previous quarter. Here's your complete guide to every scheme.

🏆 Highest Interest Rates (8.2%)

Two schemes currently offer the maximum return:

📊 Complete Interest Rates Table (2026)

Scheme Name Interest Rate (p.a.) Compounding/Payout Tax Status
Post Office Savings Account 4.0% Annually Taxable
SCSS 8.2% Quarterly Payout Taxable (80C Benefit)
SSY 8.2% Yearly Tax-Free (EEE)
National Savings Certificate (NSC) 7.7% Annually Taxable (80C Benefit)
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) 7.5% Annually (Doubles in 115 months) Taxable
5-Year Time Deposit (TD) 7.5% Quarterly Taxable (80C Benefit)
Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) 7.4% Monthly Payout Taxable
Public Provident Fund (PPF) 7.1% Annually Tax-Free (EEE)
3-Year Time Deposit 7.1% Quarterly Taxable
2-Year Time Deposit 7.0% Quarterly Taxable
1-Year Time Deposit 6.9% Quarterly Taxable
5-Year Recurring Deposit (RD) 6.7% Quarterly Taxable

💡 Which Scheme Should You Choose?

💡 Expert Verdict: The 2026 Winners

  • Best for Tax Saving: PPF (7.1% Tax-Free) is the long-term king. NSC (7.7%) is best for 5-year goals.
  • Best for Income: SCSS (8.2%) offers the highest regular payout for seniors. POMIS (7.4%) is great for others.
  • Best for Growth: SSY (8.2%) compounds massively over 21 years for a daughter.

📈 Real Returns vs Inflation

With inflation at ~5.5%, a savings account (4.0%) actually loses value in real terms. You strictly need schemes offering 7.0% or more (like PPF, NSC, SCSS) to grow your purchasing power.

For Tax Savings (Section 80C):

  • PPF: Best for long-term (15 years), completely tax-free returns.
  • NSC: Good for 5-year fixed returns with 80C benefit.
  • SCSS: Ideal for senior citizens needing regular income.

For Regular Income:

  • POMIS: Monthly payouts (7.4%).
  • SCSS: Quarterly payouts (8.2%) - highest rate with regular income.

For Daughter's Future:

  • SSY: Unbeatable 8.2% tax-free for girl child education/marriage.

For Guaranteed Doubling:

  • KVP: Your money doubles in 115 months (9 years 7 months).

📅 When Do Rates Change?

The Ministry of Finance reviews and announces Post Office interest rates every quarter:

  • Q1 (Apr-Jun): Announced in late March
  • Q2 (Jul-Sep): Announced in late June
  • Q3 (Oct-Dec): Announced in late September
  • Q4 (Jan-Mar): Announced in late December

🔍 Comparison with Bank FDs

As of February 2026, most bank FDs offer 6.5-7.5% for senior citizens. Post Office schemes like SCSS (8.2%) and SSY (8.2%) beat bank rates while offering government-backed safety.

Conclusion

Post Office schemes remain attractive in 2026, especially for risk-averse investors seeking government-guaranteed returns. The 8.2% rates on SCSS and SSY are particularly competitive compared to bank alternatives.

Bookmark this page! We update it every quarter with the latest official rates.